For those who have never heard this expression before, it loosely translates to:

One Face...One Race.

The first time I had ever heard such an expression was because of a situation with my elementary school arch rival. Yes, you read right.

She used to pick on my short little self and bullied me any chance she got.

illustration credit: reisen-hinter-den-kulissen.de

One day, I did however manage to outsmart this little giant...all the while having lost a tooth in the process...no kidding.

That moment has remained very vivid and became a pivotal point in my life.

clip art credit: disney-clipart.com

To my disbelief, I was to encounter my adversary many years later in college.

It happened during a potluck brunch between the Irish and Italians.

We had recognized each other immediately.

We exchanged polite words and expressed our surprise to not having known about our nationalities.

A senior passed by overhearing our conversation and expressed "Una Facia, UnaRazza". He butted into our uncomfortable conversation and explained how so incredibly similar our cultures were, hence, there's really no reason not to get along.

Oil painting credit: preciouspetpaintings.com

That day, she had somewhat realized her past unnecessary behaviour and actually started showing remorse for her actions.

As time passed, she became sort of my college protector from that moment on ;o)...and even assisted with boyfriend troubles. As the saying goes: It's not what you know...it's who you know.

At that same school brunch...

I helped put together anItalian broccoli frittata...

and we connected through food.

It was to honour my Italianism as well as the symbolism behind the color green for her Irish origins.

Although, most 'Frittatas' are made on the stovetop...I'll share my oven-baked version instead. I do, after all, enjoy making this Italian classic in a cake pan ;o)

*'Pindjur' : is a condiment found in Middle Eastern Food stores. It consists of a few simple ingredients: roasted peppers, eggplant, onions, tomato paste, sunflower oil, vinegar, garlic, spices and a touch of sugar. This could easily be substituted with your own blend of roasted vegetables...with red bell pepper of course.

Despite my slight unrest during younger years...the ‘bully’and I certainly ended up connecting on unexpected levels. Through our feisty spirits, artistic endeavours and general deep love of our families we were not that different after all.

Anything DRY gets measured by spooning the overfilled ingredient (never shake the cup) and then level off with a flat edged tool. Exception...Brown sugar should be packed in and leveled.

. Use LIQUID cup measurements for...all LIQUIDS that cannot be leveled like for example butter, yogurt...etc. Measure the liquids at eye level to avoid overdoing what the recipe truly needs.

. OVENS are unfortunately not created equal. Mine is so old that it has reached many degrees off it's norm. It's really worth investing a few dollars to test yours with an appropriate oven thermometer. You'd be surprised how many ovens I've heard about not being where they should have been. Before you lose any more ingredients and much time preparing a new recipe...run to the store...you'll thank me later.

FOOD FAIRY COUNTESSA

Once upon a time...my fairy FOODESSA gloriously came to life. Through her, my constant desire to share my kitchen's heart and curious escapades has come to light. Please join me on my exciting journey.